XC90 remove rear strut

[MoVolvos]

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Thanks for the pictures and nice work. Good to know the hardened piston can be cut.

[MnBoy]

Just did mine. XC90 2012. Who ever would design this top nut and torx set-up is beyond me. It is a real pain. After trying to remove the rusted nut according to the standard methods, nothing worked. You have no room to work with and the nut is in the recess and difficult to access. You have to keep the torx stud from moving as you try to twist the nut off. Everything is full of rust and dirt. Frustration sets in. Somewhere I read that just drilling the bolt out is the best way to get this off. I totally agree. Get a drill bit just little smaller in diameter than the bolt stud with the torx 40 opening in it. Drill away the bolt stud until the18 mm nut can be twisted off easily. This takes no more than 5 minutes. Yes, it gets hot and leaves metal shavings...but it works.

[shiloh51933]

A good impact wrench will take nut right off, but shit happens!!